Phoebe O’Sullivan

Personal Mythology

1. Floor Plan

a. My house growing up was full of people. My grandparents lived with us, and then

we had my mom, dad, brother, sister, sister, myself, and our dog.

b. The dominate mood in the house was love. My mom worked hard to keep the

house warm and cozy with dozens of lit candles and decorations.

c. Luckily, my entire family is close to each other. My parents are divorced now but

us four siblings are close and best friends. I am also close to both my mom and

dad, as well as my grandparents. The center of the family I would say was with

my grandfather before he passed. Now I feel as though the center of the family is

with the four siblings. We really try to plan as many family events as possible to

get everyone together.

2. Ten Commandments:

a. You shall always spread hope and love in the world. You shall always be

respectful toward adult figures. You shall always show kindness to each other.

You shall never feel alone or abandoned. You shall always support one another.

You shall not steal, cheat, or lie. You shall always know love. You shall never go

without. You shall always trust each other. You shall never feel hate.

b. Growing up we had family parties every year and my great grandparents were the

lives of the party. It was their favorite time of year. When they passed, I feel as

though we kept their traditions alive with us as we passed down stories of when

they were alive and stories they had shared. One event that has stuck with me all
 these years was when my grandfather and great grandfather would play the guitar

and banjo. We would gather around the living room, and they would play us

songs from their childhoods. When it comes to slogans, my mom, sisters, and I

have some that we took from tv shows that we always say to each other. They

don’t have a true meaning, but we all have an unspoken agreement of when they

are to be used. The slogans are: “and so it is”, “it’s all very cats in the cradle”, and

“this too shall pass”.

3. Objects of sentimental or personal significance:

a. A few items of significance that once belonged to someone else are the collection

of psychology books I received from my grandfather after he passed away. I

really enjoy flipping through the books and seeing his handwritten notes along the

pages.

b. I was also given some sweatshirts and hats that my grandfather used to wear that

have the USS Cabot embroidered on the front. He was so proud to be on that ship

in the navy and it brings me great comfort when I can wear the sweatshirts.

4. Personal Qualities:

a. When thinking of some personal qualities that were from people no longer with

us, I automatically think of my grandfather again. He honestly was one of the

most amazing, smart, funny, compassionate people you could ever meet. The

greatest gift I feel that I got from him was his capacity to see the good in people.

Growing up with him as my role model, I feel really shaped me into the person I

am today. From his love of Carl Jung to the Lord of the Rings, he had the
 capability to see life through a different perspective and always brought wisdom

to any challenge.

5. Imaginary Will:

a. I do not have a lot of financial possessions besides my car and apartment. In my

will I bequeath my car and apartment to my husband.

b. My most valuable personal possession is my dog, Maru who I will also bequeath

to my husband.

c. Books that I have collected throughout my graduate program I will be giving to

my brother. These also include all books I received from my grandfather.

6. Work:

a. Work has played a large role in my later life. Growing up I did not have a job

until my freshman year of college. I was fortunate enough to have the support

from my parents, so work was not as important to me earlier in my life.

b. Now work is very important to me because I am finally working toward a career

and not at some random job. I am on my way to being a counselor and working in

positions that give me that experience.

c. Work is different than play in my life, I like to have the two separates from one

another because I value both my job and my free time. When I am at work, I am

focused on the job at hand and the needs that must get done. During my free time,

I can watch shows and spend quality time with my husband who is also very

important to me.

d. I do not think I would be as valuable without my work. When I am working, I feel

like I am a contributing member to society. I can support myself and my little

 family which is important to me. I do not want to be defined only by my work,

but I believe it is an important part of my life.

7. Heroes/Heroines:

a. There are some heroes from books and tv that I have found. One hero that I have

is from one of my favorite movies of all time. In the movie Lord of the Rings,

there is a character named Pippin. He is a hobbit and helps the fellowship destroy

the one ring. He faces many challenges and overcomes them to be a hero in the

end. He never turns his back on his friends or family.

8. Important Pivotal Event:

a. An important even that affected my life in a positive way was adopting my dog.

That was a pivotal event in my life because for the first time I was responsible for

someone other than myself. I had this living creature I needed to take care of and

love. It also was a pivotal event in my relationship because we adopted the dog

together. He was our responsibility. We had to change our lives around to

accommodate the dog.

9. Autobiography:

a. Title of the Book: Odds and Ends of a Lifetime

b. Chapter 1: The House on Harvestwood Dr.

i. Moved to my childhood home at 1.

ii. Spent my childhood playing with my siblings and the neighbors.

iii. Learned from my older siblings and parents.

iv. Went to elementary school and met my best friend.

v. Had birthday parties and my very first sleepover.

c. Chapter 2: Transitions to Junior High

i. Started my journey middle school.

ii. Battled anxiety and school avoidance.

iii. Rallied with my best friend as she battled through anorexia.

iv. Found, lost, and gained friends.

d. Chapter 3: Journey to High School

i. Started high school and played on the field hockey team.

ii. Worked hard for good grades.

iii. Got my license.

iv. Went to junior prom.

v. Asked to senior prom.

vi. Graduated.

vii. Started dating.

e. Chapter 4: The College Years

i. Took a semester off and worked at Target

ii. Started college at Bridgewater State University.

iii. Found my major and minor.

iv. Worked odd jobs throughout my college years.

v. Started observing schools and teachers.

vi. Began my student teaching practicum.

vii. Unofficially moved in with my boyfriend and mom.

viii. Graduated.

f. Chapter 5: Work Work Work

 i. Worked part time at the YMCA.

ii. Moved into boyfriend’s grandmother’s house.

iii. Got a full-time job at a high school.

g. Chapter 6: The Darker Years

i. Moved to an apartment in New Bedford.

ii. Coached field hockey.

iii. Started graduate school.

iv. Battled severe depression and anxiety (OCD).

1. Took a leave of absence from work

2. Found the best therapist and support system in the world.

h. Chapter 7: Rise from the Ashes

i. Got engaged!

ii. Moved to a new apartment in Dartmouth.

iii. Adopted a dog.

iv. Began my journey to find a new career.

v. Continue to work on my mental health, this is the healthiest and happiest I

have been in many years.

vi. Reconnected to old friends.

vii. Get Married!

i. Epilogue:

i. Here we are at the end. It is crazy to think of the road we have taken.

There have been many swerves and bumps along, but we managed to

make it through. From long sunny days of my childhood, playing with the
neighbors to dark days in New Bedford. I have been through many things,

but I would not trade it. Where I have been is where I am today. I am so

grateful of the friends I have made and the family I have had by my side to

support me. Yes, I have struggled in many aspects, but I have also thrived.

I have made it through the storm, the darkest of days, clinging on by a

string. Now I look back and wonder what those years were about. My

story hasn’t ended just yet. I have time to grow and learn, but also to fall.

And I will fall many times. I will also get back up every time. I know I can

whether any storm. Where will my life go from here? Let’s find out, shall

we.